AUCKLAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 295, 29 August 1855, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

[Continuation of Wednesday's proceedings.]

Mr. Sewisix moved that his Excellency's address be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, and that the house, 01s its risingl, do adjourn till that day. He apologised for proposing so long a delay by the peculiar circumstances under which the house met. The resignation and non-attendance of so many Southern members had so reduced the house that it could not be taken fairly to represent the colony. It was unfortunate that the house had not met at its appointed time, in July. How that had occurred would, no doubt,be explained, but its effect hud been to deprive the house of some of its most valuable members, who, he knew, would have been ready to attend at that tuns. The terms of his Excellency's circular liad deterred other members. That circular intimated that the house, was about to be called together for an .important .busin.es j !-,' l ,,th.ait it. would be immediately dismissed,.and," as soon; as could be, re-assembled* Members at a great distance, would not, of course obey such a summons. In fact, the natural interpretation of it ■was, " Don't come." The result probably would be to frustrate one of (he objects for which the Assembly was convened. With a house so constituted as the present, and with a dissolution .impending, it was obvious that no Government could be immediately formed ; not until the meeting of the new house. It would be premature, therefore, now to make provision for the retiring officers. Pensions to the old officers were, in fact, the price they were to pay for Responsible Government, and he proposed to pay it, but they ought not to be called on to pay the price until they receired quid pro quo. He further regretted the absence of so. many members, looking at the important announcement in his Excellency's speech of the impending danger of a native war, and a matter of the deepest concern to the colony, particularly as it was impossible not to see in the distance the shadow of a heavy bill to pay. Members coming from the South were imperfectly acquainted with the facts, and it was with especial reference to this subject, and in order to gain time for further information, that he wished to postpone the consideration of his Excellency's speech until Tuesday next. In the meantime he trusted that the papers promised in his Excellency's speech would be laid on the table. He concluded by placing his motion before the house. Mr. Carleton rose to second the motion. The consideration of his Excellency's address was a matter of course; therefore the real question before the house was that of time—of the question of adjournment. And in his (Mr. Carleton's) opinion, the period named by the hon. member for Christcbureh was not a day too long; for that the house, before committing itself in any way to a reply, should consider most seriously what line of proceeding it should adopt during the present session. Two modes of proceeding were open to the house ; one of which, however, ought not to be resolved upon without maturev consideration than could be given even within the period named. He (Mr. C.) was not going to make a speech ; there had been too much speech-making during the two last sessions; he would merely state to Hhe house, in the fewest possible terms, the cjurse he intended to take during the session, and which he would suggest for adoption to the house. His own intention was—to support the views of his Excellency the Officer administering the Government. From him (Mr. C.) at all events this declaration would be received without suspicion. He would support his Excellency's views. Nevertheless, he had been strongly urged, from many parts of the colony, and by persons for whose opinions he entertained the greatest respect—to absent himself from the house during this session, and to use his utmost persuasion to induce others to do the like, in order that no session should be possible at all. For, in truth, in the absence of so many members, a very few in combination, by depriving the house of its quorum, could effectually hinder the transaction of business ; which, indeed, could no longer be carried on except by mutual understanding among the members, regardless of party. He (Mr. G.) had been most strongly urged to nullify the Session ; and one argument had been particularly dwelt upon—apparently as being supposed peculiarly congenial to his taste, —that no more effectual checkmate could be given to the

old Government than to let the.session slip, or better merited retribution for the treatment to which that house had been subjected. N"evertheless, he would support the views of Ills Excellency the officer administering the Government, as set forth in the circulars to members which he held in his hand. His Excellency expressed a wish that only two measures should be entertained by the Assembly , —a bill for retiring allowances to the old officials ; and a bill for the further appropriation of the revenue. He also intimated an early dissolution. The dissolution, he (Mr. C) was very anxious to see and the sooner the better ; of the rest of thecircular, he disapproved of, though acting- i n accordance with it. That circular ought never to have been issued at all; or, if issued, it should at least have been sent in time to the distant member!). He would not occupy the time of the house by dwelling on circumstances connected with it; upon its being kept back from the Auckland members until the Ist of •June, though—dated Muyf/So^apparently in order that it might be sent quietly 'down to. the ■'South 'meanwhile, without comment from the Auckland members; upon the accident which hindered it from being sent meanwhile, by the Cornubia; or upon the remarkable stoppage in over-land communication which took place immediately afterwards. Of course, for this last, some excellent reason would be assigned, which he would not be able to refute ; perhaps, that some chief in the interior had refused to -allow the mails to pass through his territory ; but the result of all tliis was, that the circulars were late. It was a fact, that on the 31st July, Mr. Re vans had not received the circular by which he was summoned for the sth July. How came all this about; ? He answered— -fecit cvi profuit. He (Mr. O.) would not say what he believed to be the object of all this ; but he knew what was the effect of it. The effect had been foretold. The circular had done its work—it had broken up the Session. The Session was now a delusion, a mockery, a sham. Members had been as it V7ere invited not to attend, and it might now be net izxireasonably argued that these few should refo.se to make a House. But they should yetremexaber that their first duty, after all, was to the colony ; he, for oiie, would not allow himself to l>s biassed by feeling in the matter, though he felt as strongly as any. The revenue was now beingexpended without authority ; their duty to the coiony was to legalise the expenditure without delay. Unauthorized appropriation, possiblynecessitated for a time, must be put an end So. An appropriation bill was one of the two which his Excellency proposed submitting to therr*. Let him send them down ; we should entertain them both, and know how to deal with them both. But, in the present state of the House, he (Mr. C.) would not consent to entertainingany other bills ; he would never be a party to what would in effect be a smuggling of bills through the House. The circular had been effectual; and now their best course was to comply with it. Some of the Southern members mig-lit have bills to pass—he also had bills to pass, concerning which he was most anxious ; hut as he would forego his own, he would refuse to entertain those of any one else. The Session was lost, for the purposes of legislation. But they should make the best of it, and turn it to account for the purpose of enquiry. Somethingmight yet be done, in the way of good, hard, steady Committee work, clearing the way for the future. As to immediate legislation, he (Mr. C.) would support the views of his Excellency the Officer administering the Government, leavinghimself free, should the new Governor arrive i during the Session, to support or oppose the j views of the coming man. Mr. Fohsaith wished the preparation of the Address in reply to his Excellency's speech to be referred to a Committee. Mr. GiiEDtiiLL moved as an amendment to Mr. Sewell's motion, that Friday next be the day on which his Excellency's speech be taken into consideration. Mr. Skwell, in reply, said: Two questions had been raised in the course of the discussion ; —one by the hon. member on his right (Mr. j Forsuith), who wished him to refer the preparation of the address to a committee. He could not agree to that suggestion. It was obvim-.s that there were differences of opinion between them, and he (Mr. Sewell) could not consent to put his opinions into commission. The course proposed by him was the usual one. The address would be prepared in concert with other members, and he would assure the hou member

that nothing in it should be calculated to give umbrage to his Excellency. As to the proposal to have the discussion on Friday instead ofL Tuesday, after what had been said by the member for New Plymouth, he would agree to the suggestion with the understanding that the debate might be adjourned till Tuesday. Mi-. Sewell gave notice that he would move, on Friday, an address in reply to his Excellency's speech. Mr. Gledhill withdrew his amendment. On the motion of Mr. O'Neili., the House adjourned at a quarter to 4, until Friday at noon. Notices of Motion fob Friday. 1. Mr. Travers to move, That his Excellency be requested to issue new writs for the election of a member for Dunedin Country District, in the room of W. H. Cutten, Esq., resigned ; and. - for the Town of Nelson, in the room of J. Stevens, Esq., deceased ; for the Hutt District, in the room of A. Ludlam, Esqs., resigned. -• ; 2. Mr. Mackayto move, That his Excellency be requested to issue new-writs for the electron of members for the Christchurch Country and the Wairau Districts, in the room of the Hon. J. Wortley and F. A Weld, Esq:, resigned. 3. Mr. Crompton to move, that his Excellency be requested to issue new writs for the election of members for the town of Wellington, and Whanganui and Rangatiki Districts, in the room of J. Kelham, Esq., and J. Feathers tone, Esq., resigned. 4. Mr. Sewell to move "an address in reply to the Speech of his Excellency the Officer administering the Government in opening the Session. {From the New Zealander.) Friday, August 10. Petitions were presented by Mr. Crompton from the Superintendent and Provincial Council of New Plymouth, relative to the present state of that province, and requesting the investigation and support of the House; and by Mr. Hartjfromjthe merchants and settlers of Wellington respecting the establishment of a New Zealand Joint-Stock Bank. Both petitions were received, and the former ordered to be printed. Mr. Bkown gave five several notices of motion. Two for Tuesday ; one concerning native lands ; and the other, requiring returns relative to the pre-emption rights, the forfeiture of cottages and acres, and other matters connected, with the New Zealand Fencibles. On Thursday, in the -matte;* of all claims to land, &c, in the Province of Auckland. On Friday, relative to the New Zealand Company's Charter, and purchase of-land. Ann a renewal of the notice of sth September, 1854. requiring a return of monies voted for educational purposes, that returu not yet having been furnished. Mr. I..cc to move, on Wednesday, for copies of correspondence between the Superintendent of Auckland, and the Colonial Secretary, with, the Provincial Law Officer's opinion, relative to the grant of land for the new Government House. Mr. SEWEcr,, on Tuesday, to move for a Committee to reguLite the printing of the proceed- | iuf^s of the House : also, for returns connected .with the distribution of the ,Jand funds of Nelson, &c., and further for the appointment of a Committee to consider the state and management of Finance. Mr. Meiuuman to move, at the next meeting, for the appointment of a Privilege Committee ; j also, for a Standing- Orders Committee. Mr. Porter, at next meeting, to move for a return of monies expended on the Queen street Wharf; am! also, for a Committee to consider the whole subject of land claims. Mr. Thavbrs, on Tuesday, to move for a Committee to investigate the claims of the New Zealand Company; and on Wednesday, to move an address to his Excellency respecting fees on deeds, &c. Mr. Bacoj:, at next meeting to move for returns relative to the vaccination of natives. Mr. Maokat, at next meeting, to move for leave to brin«- forward a measure for simplifying the Customs' Duties. Pursuant to notice, .Mr. Travers-moved that His Excellency be requested to issue new writs for the election of a member for Dunedin Country District, in the room of W. H. Cutten, ; Esq., resigned ; and for the Hutt District in the room of A. iiudhun, Esq., resigned. Leave - granted. Mr. Tiiavehs next moved for a writ for the election of a member for the town of Nelson, in the room of S. Stephen, Esq., deceased. Mr. Travers said there was v difficulty in this mat-

ter; the Constitution Aci provides no ineaus for filling up death vacancies. It was important means should be applied to remedy a defect which might virtually disfranchise a constituency. He would therefore move that his Excellency be requested to issue a new writ; his Excellency would, in doing- so, be guided by the opinion of the Law Officer of the Crown. Mr. Mekrimax rose to a point of order. There was no proof of the death of the member ; and he would take the opinion of no Law Officer, not a member of that House. The learned gentleman cited authority for the necessity of a certificate of a death in the case of a new election for a seat in the House of Commons. The Speaker was not prepared to pronounce an immediate decision of the question, and suggested postponement until Tuesday. Mr. Tbayebs assented to the Speaker's suggestion. His only desire was that the writ should have been transmitted by the steamer which was to sail on Saturday or Sunday. On the motion of Mr. Mackay, it was agreed to request his Excellency to issue new writs for Cbristchurch Country and Wairau Districts, in the room of the Hon. J. S. Wortley and F. A Weld, Esq., resigned. The same course was followed on the motion of Mr. Crompthks, for the election of new insm ■ "bers for the town of Wellington, and Whanganui and Rangitiki Districts, in the room of J. Kelham, Esq., and I. E. Featherston, Esq., resigned. Previous to entering into consideration of the reply to his Excellency's opening Address, Mr. Mackat begged permission to read a letter from Mr. Picard, member for Motueka, soliciting leave of absence for a month. Mr. Skwell would be glad to learn the grounds foi such in application. Mr. jlackay was unable to state any. He believed Mr. Picard was about to be elected a member of the Provincial Council of Nelson. Mr. O'Neixl was of opinion that the leave applied for should be granted. There were many members who had absented themselves without exhibiting such courtesy. Mr. Travehs dissented from this view. If all the members who acted with similar couaesy were to Lave leave of absence granted, the house would be overwhelmed with applications. Mr. Forsaith said there, was a principle involved. Those members who had absented themselves without such courtesy, had done bo with the intention of vacating theirseats. Mr. Picard desired to retain his. The question was not entertained. Leave refused. Mr. Mackay would not prefer a like request, which he had been instructed to make on behalf of Dr. Munro. Mr. Sewell in rising to move an address in reply to the speech of his Excellency the Officer administering the Government on opening the Segsion, said that he would move the adoption of that^ reply by the whole House. Mr. Tbavers would have the House go into Committee on thereplv. Mr. Sewull was desirous that the reply should be agreed to in the full House. The reply had been confined to but two or three topics. There were but two important matters to be dealt with. These were the questions of Responsible Government and the affairs of Taranaki. His Excellency had acquainted them with his anxious desire to forward the inttoduction of Responsible Government, and in the hearty sincerity of his Excellency's desire he had the most implicit reliance. He was therefore anxious to convey the acknowledgements due to his Excellency. There was, however, a great difference of opinion as to the course proposed by his Excellency. He did not think it the best. He thought the House should have been convened in July, iv the usual manner, without intimation of the policy intended in be pursued. That intimation had had the effect of causing a thin House. To invite the attendance of members to pension off old officers and to dissolve the House, was not a wise course. He must be content to accept a dissolution now as an inevitable necessity ; but it had retarded the introduction of Responsible Goverumeut. Respecting the other branch of the reply, relative to the affairs of New Plymouth, he'p'erceived that on the 7th of April things bad reached such a point that the dispatch of troops had then been determined on. He could not but regret that in the face of such events, members should have been discouraged from attending by the statement made in the circular that the business to be transacted

was unimportant. He could not consider that non-interference was the policy that was required. But not being aware of the whole bearing of the question he had not touched upon it. Mr. Seweil having read the reply begged to move its adoption. Mr. Carleton in seconding the adoption of the reply characterised it as dry and formal, but faithful. Its faults, whatever they mi»ht be of omission, had none of commission. Ithadbeen framed to meet the views ofall parties, or rather of the remnants of parties. It sought to conciliate ; since the absence of even one member might ieave the House without a quorum, and compel a dissolution. Mr. O'Neill was prepared, in a general way to give his support to the reply which had been proposed. He was surprised to see Mr. Seweil once so urgent for the immediate establishment of Responsible Government now so desirous of deferring it. He would have it introduced without delay. The pvesent holders of Office were not equal to any emergency. Mr. Porter thought that "the best Responsible Government would be that which gave total separation to the Northern Province, and conferred power upon the Provinces in general. Mr. King had an amendment to propose. The affairs of Taranaki involved not alone a native quarrel, but one of greater significance. The quarrel had been the fruit of a native association to shoot every native who should dare to sell land to Europeans. It had been otherwise complicated : and the lion, member entered into lengthened details to exhibit the causes and progress of the feud, concluding by moving that the House go into Committee to investigate the hearings of the question in relation to the reply. Mr. Seweil must oppose the amendment. He considered it would be hazardous were the house to commit itself to a positive opinion. A general expression would be best. Mr. Carieton thought the house was bound to allow the Taranaki members every latitude, and to grant them the fullest liberty of speech. Dr. Lee hoped the house would carry the reply as moved by the hon. member for Christchurch. Mr. Travers thought it would be fair to afford the Taranaki members an opportunity to elucidate matters. There was a difficulty'in dealing with the reply before 6 tbe papers connected''with the question had been laid before the house. Dr. Bacot hoped the house would not go into committee. The address had been framed so as not to commit any party but to conciliate all by returning a civil reply to his Excellency.*" A message from his Excellency was here announced. It covered an application from the Superintendent of New Plymouth to the General Government requesting an advance of £1000. His Excellency recommended that the house should pass a resolution granting an advance of £1500. The message also covered the correspondence and other "documents in connection with the affairs at Taranaki. The house resumed. Mr. Forsailh felt obliged by the deeply interesting statements of Mr. King. But, however much and sincerely the House sympathised with the Colonists of Taranaki, they must not consider the opposition to the amendment as any indication of hostility or apathy to their interests. The reply had been framed in a temperate and becoming manner. It fully met the case: and in no way committed it's supporters. Mr. GLEDHiLii gave the house a lengthened narrative of the disastrous state of the native feud, and the consequences that were likely to result. Mr. Hart regretted that with the knowledge which the Government had so long had of the affairs of Taranaki the House should have been summoned to meet in a manner so as to lead members to keep away. He himself would not be altogether unwilling to withdraw his attendance from a house so diminished in numbers that it could hardly be said to represent the sentiments of the Colony on so grave a question. Mr. Bhown dissented from the policy of noninterference. He recognised the necessity of sending troops. But the troops would be compelled to take a side. The Government had been instrumental to the existing quarrel. Mr. Carleton supported the amendment, and concurred in the view taken by the previous spenker. Mr, Crompton spoke in favour of the amend-

ment, which he urged the mover of the reply to adopt. Mr. Sewet.l was willing to adopt one of the paragraphs of the amendment. This having met with approval, the reply so amended was put and passed. .It was then agreed that the Governor should he requested to stale when it would be agreeable to his Excellency to receive the reply, which should then be presented to the Speaker accompanied by such members as might be willing to attend. Mr. Gledhili, applied for and obtained leave of absence, to return by the steamer to New Plymouth. Another message from his Excellency was received. It covered the draft of v bill for granting retiring pensions to the Colonial Secretary, Treasurer, and Attorney General. The house went into Committee, on the question of an advance to the Province of Taranaki. A resolution was passed, and afterwards affirmed by the House, recommending an advance of £1,500. The house then adjourned till Tuesday at noon. Mr. Brown—To move for a Return of all lands purchased from the Maories since 17th January, 1853, shewing 1. In what Province situated. 2 The estimated extent in acres. 3. The consideration. 4. The sums of money paid and dates of payment. 5. The sums of money remaining due, and when payable. 6. The dates of purchase. Mr. Brown—To move for a return shewing the terms and conditions under which the New Zealand Fencibles were entitled to a preemptive right of purchasing a ctrtain number of acres in the vicinity of the Pensioner Settlements. Also, a Return of the names of those pensioners (officers or privates) who have not obtained land under these regulations—distinguishing those who are still entitled from those who are not entitled to receive such land—with the reasons in either case. Also, Return of the names of those pensioners whose cottages and acres have been forfeited, with the grounds and reasons of such forfeiture. Also, Return of reserved lands—if any— fo x satisfying such pre-emptive claims. Mr. Skwfxl—To move that a committee be appointed to consider the best method of conducting the printing of the bouse, with instructions to examine the Blue Book, and suggest snch alterations in the form thereof, as may appear desirable. The Committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs. Merriman, Travers, Cavleton, and the mover, Mr. Sewrlt.—To move that a respectful address be presented to his Excellency the Officer administering the Government, praying him to lay before the house copies of all "correspondence between the Superintendents of Canterbury and Nelson and the General Government, respecting the distribution of the Land Fund. Also, —That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the state and management of the public finances of the colony. The Committee to consist of Messrs. Brown, Eorsaith, Hart, Travers, Cromptou, and the Mover. Mr. Merriman—To move that a Committee be appointed for the Session, to be called the Standing Orders' Committee, that it be the duty of that Committee to prepare such Standing Orders as they may from time to time deem advisable to be adopted by the bouse. That the Committee do report from time to time as they may see occasion, or be required by the house. That the Committee be authorised to communicate with any Committee appointed by the Legislative Council with a view to the adoption of Standing Orders to regulate the mode in which the bouse and the Legislative Council shall confer, correspond, and communicate with each other. The Committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs. Seweil, Carleton, King, O'Neill, and mover. Mr. Merriman—To move that p Committee be appointed for the Session, to be called the Privilege Committee, to whom all questions touching the privileges of the house, and the members thereof shall be referred, with power to report from time to time as they may see occasion or be required by the house. The Committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs.

Sewell, Hait, Carleton, O'Brien, and "the mover, Mr. Pouter —to move for a Return or the amount expended on the Queen Street Wharf at Auckland, by the General Government, stating from what fund the money was provided Also, the value of the said wharf and materials as handed over to the Harbour Committee, as near as it can be ascertained. Mr. Porter —To move that at the next meeting of this house, he will move for a Committee on the whole of the Land Question to take into consideration the best method of acquiring, as well as disposing of the same, with liberty to call for persons and papers Committee to consist of Messrs. Porsaith, Brown, Sewell, Hart, Carleton, Travers, and Porter. " Mr. Travers —To move for leave to bring in a bill to amend the New Zealand Land Claimants Ordinance. Mr. Tkavers —To move that an humble address be presented to the officer administering the Government, praying him to inform the house whether he has received any instructions from the Home Government on the subject of the expenses of the military defence and protection of the colony, and if so, that he will be pleased to lay the same before this house without delay, Mr. Tbavbks —To move that the subject of supplying- vacancies that may occur in the representation of the various constituencies of the colony by the death of members of this House, be taken into consideration by this house. Mr. Bacot—To move that a humble address be presented to his Excellency, requesting information as to the amount and mode of expenditure of the sum voted lust session for the general vaccination of the Native population.